Russell Bedford adds Philippine firm to network, expanding coverage in S.E. Asia
Mercado, Calderon, Jaravata & Co. (MCJ & Co.), Makati City, Manila, Philippines, joins Russell Bedford global audit and consulting network

LONDON, ENGLAND, May 22, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Russell Bedford has strengthened its presence in the South East Asia region with the appointment of Mercado, Calderon, Jaravata & Co. as the international accounting network's first member firm in the Philippines.

Mercado, Calderon, Jaravata & Co. (MCJ & Co.) was established as a professional partnership in January 2006 by three former partners of one of the oldest accounting firms in the Philippines.

Located in Makati City, the main business district of the capital Manila, MCJ & Co. is now a medium-sized CPA practice focusing mainly on financial auditing, along with accounting, tax consulting and management advisory services. It is one of only approximately 35 audit firms that are registered with the Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Group 'A', the highest category of audit firm accreditation.

The firm's client base covers a broad range of sectors including banking and insurance, manufacturing, trading, real estate, agri-business, shipping and transport, mining and non-profit organisations.

All three partners are Certified Public Accountants, Members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and Members of the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP).

Marcelino A. Mercado is the firm's chairman and an audit partner. He has many years of experience in public practice covering audit, accounting and taxation. He is actively involved in the committees of his professional institutes. As a member of the ACPAPP Committee on Relations with Government Agencies, he participated in the preparation of an audit procedures manual that is in current use by the SEC. He also regularly conducts training and seminars on topics such as practical audit approaches, accounting systems and internal control.

Napoleon Calderon, the managing partner and an audit partner, has extensive audit experience covering most sectors and industries. He has handled the audits of USAID sponsored projects and was instrumental in the preparation of financial and management audit reports required by the IMF and World Bank. He served as a member of the ACPAPP Board of Directors, Chairman of the ACPAPP Committee on Audit Manuals and Vice Chairman of the ACPAPP Committee on Membership.

Gerardo Jaravata is the tax partner in addition to having some responsibilities audit, accounting and management services. His expertise includes the handling of engagements requiring interfacing with regulatory agencies such as the SEC. As a member of the ACPAPP, he served on various committees such as the Committee on Management Services and Committee on Taxation. He was also a member of the Task Force of the Auditing Standards Practice Council (ASPC).

For further information, contact Marcelino A. Mercado on +632 894 57 83. Alternatively, visit the websites at www.mcjcpas.ph and www.russellbedford.com

Note to Editors

Established in 1983, Russell Bedford International is a global network of independent firms of accountants, auditors, tax advisers and business consultants.

Ranked as one of the world's top 15 accounting and audit networks, Russell Bedford is represented by some 460 partners, 5000 staff and 200 offices in more than 70 countries in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

All Russell Bedford affiliates are well-established firms offering international business advice and services to local and multinational clients. Most provide a full range of services comprising accounting, auditing, tax advice, general business guidance and financial consulting. In addition, many have special expertise in particular fields, such as international taxation or information technology.

In January 2008 Russell Bedford International was named one of the first 17 full members of the IFAC Forum of Firms after reporting it had implemented a globally coordinated quality assurance programme, committed to the use of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), and met other specific ethics requirements.

Press Release Contact Information:

Kempton Bedell-Harper
Russell Bedford International
international CPA firm
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